For those in the know about what’s in fashion for brides this year, romance had taken center stage and after some time out of fashion, linen is rapidly becoming a fabric of choice.
On Jan. 25, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Secaucus, bridal fashions as well as other necessary accouchements in wedding plans will be featured at a Bridal Expo.
“The bride today is often busy in day-to-day life,” said Executive Producer Bill Lippolis (aka Bridal Billy), one of the organizers of the event. “She may find that the more time she can save in planning her wedding, the better. At the Bridal Expo, a bride can plan her entire wedding in just one trip, if she goes prepared and is ready to get the job done.”
The event, which features a wide variety of wedding services for equally varied budgets, brings together some of the area’s leading bridal services and organizes them for the public to comparison shop. The exhibits and displays include vendors supplying invitations, limousines (from Rolls Royces to horse and carriages), music arrangements, photographers, video specialists, flower services, and other ideas.
This is the largest bridal expo in the tri-state area where potential brides and grooms can meet dozens of wedding professionals and New York-style fashion shows, band shows, DJ shows and even win hundreds of door prizes. Some wedding professionals can only do one or two weddings a day, and the better ones are often booked very early.
“If you are the major decision maker, bring someone you can bounce ideas off of,” Lippolis said. “Other important items to bring are swatches of material and ribbon in the colors of your wedding. This will assist the florist, balloonist, baker and many of the other professional in helping you to plan your event. A check book and date book are also necessary. If you are going to book that perfect photographer, you will need to give them a deposit. The date book is needed to schedule appointments with potential service providers. Remember to wear comfortable shoes. There is no doubt that you will be doing a lot of walking.”
Wedding planning show
The expo also features a complete wedding planning show for anyone planning a wedding in New Jersey, a fashion show featuring gowns, tuxedos, live bands, DJs, and over 35 local and regional wedding service providers, free bridal magazines, and prizes.
Doors open at 11 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. The event will feature two fashion shows at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door with reservations or $10 at the door without reservations.
For more information or to make reservations, call (800) 625-3976. The Crowne Plaza is located at Two Harmon Plaza, just off Meadowlands Parkway in Secaucus.
“The even has been held in Secaucus for the last 12 years,” said Lippolis. “The September drew better than 1,700 people.”
The event is sponsored by numerous newspapers, bridal magazine and even The Wedding Channel, all of whom are expected to have representatives at the event on Jan. 25.
“This is the biggest in the area,” Lippolis said.